+ Solemnity of St. Joseph +

Although not typically regarded as a patron of runners, St. Joseph, is, if you ask me, more than worthy of the honor. After all, he no doubt did the Flight into Egypt at a brisk pace — while leading a donkey carrying a woman and a baby! (And I thought pushing a double jog-stroller is hard.) But more than that, this patron of the Church is a patron of us all: The defender and protector of Our Lord and Our Lady, this hero of faith who silently did whatever God asked of him.

St. Joseph’s Day is one of my favorite solemnities, and not just because it’s an excuse to eat sweets during Lent! It’s also the commemoration of a man who beautifully represents the Christian ideals of loving submission and service to the will of God, and who serves as a model to fathers everywhere.

And, of course, the solemnity also gives me a reason to post a picture of this delightful little guy, our 3-year-old son, Joseph Malcolm (shown here cross-training on his beloved tricycle).

St. Joseph, pray for us!